The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Land O' Lakes News

Request seeks mixed-use project in Land O’ Lakes

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Efforts are underway to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with a mixed-use development at the southwest corner of Roaches Run and Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, which also is known as U.S. 41.

The request calls for changing the land use designation from commercial to planned development on approximately 35 acres.

It also calls for a text amendment to the long-range plan.

The master-planned unit development for the property is proposed to have a Land Use Equivalency Matrix (LUEM) to allow the exchange of the approved retail for the other approved land uses, according to agenda background materials.

The use of the matrix will ensure there is no increase in the project traffic with the exchange of land uses.

The requested land use change calls for allowing up to 275,000 square feet of retail, as well as these uses: office/medical office; health care-related uses; light industrial; distribution; multifamily; single-family attached residential; senior retirement/assisted living; aggregate home and public/institutional uses.

As part of its request, the applicant has agreed to establish a minimum development potential for non-residential uses along U.S. 41 to ensure non-residential uses are protected. These are not permitted to be exchanged for other uses, within the proposed LUEM.

Surrounding uses to the site are Walgreen’s to the north; a vacant office to the south; The Groves, San Jose restaurant and Publix to the east; and wetlands and agriculture to the west.

There also is an existing trail along the east side of Land O’ Lakes Blvd, extending from Tower Road to Connerton Boulevard.

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of the requested land use change and text amendment.

The request was set for consideration on May 18 by the Pasco County Commission, which is after The Laker/Lutz News went to press. The county board has the final jurisdiction on land use and zoning issues.

A companion rezoning request also has been filed, which also must be considered by the planning board and also gain approval from the county board before it could take effect.

Published May 19, 2021

Local photographers win big at state fair

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Members of the Land O’ Lakes Photography Club claimed a half-dozen awards in the Florida State Fair’s annual contest.

This photo, by Lillian Cucuzza, won first place in the Color-Animals (Wildlife) category. She calls it ‘Sunrise Dip’ because the photo captures an American Avocet taking a drink in the early morning sunrise.

The prize-winning photographers shared their photos with The Laker/Lutz News.

Creative competitions have been part of the fabric of the fair since its beginning in 1904, according to the fair’s website.

“Competitors from every corner of the state have pushed the boundaries of innovation as they battled it out for the blue-ribbon prize in quilting, baking, painting, or other skills. That tradition continues today as our youth and adult artists & crafters, bakers, woodworkers, horticulturalists, needle artists, photographers, and more bring their best work to be judged at the fair,” the website adds.

This year’s fair was held April 22 through May 2 — delayed year because of concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published May 19, 2021

This image of a colorful array of umbrellas by Velma Herrig captured an honorable mention in the category of Color-Still Life & Things. It was taken in a Safety Harbor art shop that had decorated its ceiling with colorful umbrellas.
This photo, by Allen Craley, won first place in the Color-Scene (Land, Sea, Sky-scapes) category. It depicts a dramatic scene at an agricultural landscape off Route U.S. 301, in rural southern Maryland. The photo was taken last summer.
This photo, by Susan Hill, took home the first place award in the Color: Pets & Farm Animals category. It shows two canine brothers, Charlie, on the left, and Buster, demonstrating some good old-fashioned sibling rivalry as they spar over a toy.
Velma Herrig won an honorable mention in the Black&White-Scene (Architecture & City Scapes) for this photograph of Egg Rock Lighthouse. It was taken at Bar Harbor, Maine, during a boat tour around the bay and Acadia National Park.
George Capaz captured this image of the Amargosa Opera House Hotel, in Death Valley Junction, California. Capaz won third place in the Color-Scene (Land, Sea, Sky-scapes) category.

Speed limit reduced on Mentmore Boulevard

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Following a speed study on Mentmore Boulevard, the speed limit is being lowered on the road — from Bexley Village Drive to State Road 54 — from 40 mph to 30 mph.

The Pasco County Commission approved the change on May 4.

The Florida Department of Transportation’s Speed Zoning Manual allows for the application of engineering judgment to establish the speed limit when needed, according to materials in the board’s agenda packet. As a result of the operational review of traffic conditions on Mentmore Boulevard, the judgment of the traffic operations and engineering services agreed that the speed limit be revised.

The reduced speed limit will take effect upon the posting of the speed signs, as required for law enforcement.

The cost to install the signs is estimated at $1,000.

Published May 12, 2021

Animal Services achieves ‘top’ status

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Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) has been recognized for inspiring positive change, and helping pets and people in the community.

Human Animal Support Services (HASS) has named PCAS a Tier 1 shelter, according to a news release.

Spencer Conover, PCAS assistant director (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Subsequently, PCAS now officially will serve as a mentor and example for animal shelters throughout the country.

The HASS Tier 1 requirements include:

  • Reuniting lost pets with their owners
  • Resources for owners to keep pets
  • Resources for owners rehoming pets
  • Reducing length of shelter stays

PCAS already implements aspects of the HASS model through multiple events, including free microchip clinics and a pet food bank for residents in need.

“Supporting the human-animal bond is at the core of our mission,” said Spencer Conover, PCAS assistant director, in the release.

“We have presented our ideas to shelter directors and program investors nationwide, and we look forward to continuing as an ambassador for community-based animal sheltering,” said Conover.

HASS is a national coalition led by American Pets Alive! that focuses on reducing shelter intakes, and ensuring community support for people and their pets.

The group formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatened pet owners’ abilities to keep their pets, and led to more fostering and adoption.

Published May 05, 2021

Land O’ Lakes fire station construction approved

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The Pasco County Commission has approved spending nearly $4.8 million to construct Fire Station No. 42, that will be built at 11425 Silver Palm Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Board members approved the expenditure during their April 20 meeting.

The lowest responsive bidder on the project is Trias, which is a company located in Lutz.

The funding for the project is available from the GO Bond Capital Project Fund.

The specifications were prepared by Fleischman and Garcia Architects and Planners, AIA, PA.

On another issue, County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder informed commissioners that a federal judge issued a favorable order in the case involving Sierra Club vs. Pasco County and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, relating to the Ridge Road extension project.

In essence, Steinsnyder said, “the Sierra Club had tried to amend their existing pleading to bring in the federal fish and wildlife agency and allege endangered species violations.

“The court, in a well-written order, said ‘No, you had an opportunity to bring these in your initial cases.

In part, Steinsnyder said, the judge’s order said “it would cause undue harm to Pasco County to continue to delay this project.

“Basically, she shut it down and said, ‘No, you’ve got to file your motion for summary judgment by a date in June, which pushes the briefing schedule out. But that’s probably the best we could have hoped for because she had to give them some time to file their motion,” Steinsnyder said.

Both sides are asking for summary judgment, he added.

In another item, commissioners approved a request by Salem Radio Properties to rezone 77.21 acres of agricultural land to allow 325 residential units in a master-planned development on the south side of Bud Bexley Parkway, about 600 feet west of Ballantrae Boulevard.

Published May 05, 2021

Zoning approved for new Connerton villages

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning for two new villages in Connerton, and that clears the way for the creation of a 40-acre Downtown Connerton.

Plans also call for creating connections — through trails and mid-block pedestrian crossings — that encourage walkability and reduce reliance on automobiles.

The plan promotes the use of neighborhood vehicles, bicycles and other ways to get about — with strategically placed hubs that feature amenities such as water refill stations, restrooms, places to make bike repairs, and public gathering spaces.

County board members unanimously approved the proposal, by applicant Lennar Homes LLC, for Connerton Villages III and IV.

The master-planned development allows:

  • A maximum of 2,160 dwelling units
  • 150,000 square feet of retail
  • 150,000 square feet of office, including 50,000 square feet in the downtown area and the other 100,000 square feet within downtown or spread throughout the villages
  • A charter school with up to 765 students
  • An 80-acre district park
  • 7 acres for a library/fire/emergency medical services facility within the villages

The proposed development drew opposition from three speakers, who raised concerns about the impacts that rampant growth is having within Pasco County.

Rob Park, who lives on Ehren Cutoff, reiterated his concerns about the traffic impacts — particularly along Ehren Cutoff — from additional growth in Land O’ Lakes.

Maryann Bishop, who lives on Hale Road, told commissioners: “As a longtime resident of Pasco County who fell in love with the rural aspects that Land O’ Lakes had to offer, I am truly sickened by the lack of vision here, across the board, that county officials have about responsible development. I am not against development. But I am totally against the runaway development that is being allowed in Pasco County now.

“You are allowing developers to completely strip the land bare, so they can fit as many dwellings and buildings as possible and then call it proper landscaping when they plant a few water oaks or palms,” she said.

Nicole Miller, who also spoke in opposition, submitted a petition with 1,592 signatures from residents, she said, “who are joining their voices together to speak out against these different development projects.”

But county planners and the Pasco County Commission recommended approval of the rezoning.

County planner Tammy Snyder outlined Connerton’s downtown plans. She also detailed its extensive plan aimed at making it easier to get from neighborhoods to downtown, the district park, shopping, public gathering spaces and various amenities — without having to rely on a vehicle.

Clarke Hobby, an attorney representing Lennar, told the board that when Connerton was approved as a development of regional impact more than 20 years ago, it was planning a regional mall and a community college.

Now, it is calling for a development that will create a community where people truly can live, work and play, he said.

Hobby also noted: “When Connerton began, it was about 8,500 acres. Three thousand of those acres were conveyed for preserves to SWFMD (the Southwest Florida Water Management District). Of those 3,000 acres, there was wetland enhancement done on over 1,600 acres.”

“We’re very proud of the project. We plan on this being a featured community for Lennar,” Hobby said.

Commissioner Mike Moore said he’s excited about the project and he believes the residents of Connerton will be, too.

Published April 28, 2021

Celebrating a century in style

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Evelyn “Ev” Furman knows a thing or two about having changed-up birthday plans.

Ev Furman was in her glory, as family and friends gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday. (Courtesy of Debbie Storts)

After all, it was just last year when the big plans that her daughter, Debbie Storts, had made for Ev’s 99th birthday were derailed by COVID-19.

Debbie had planned a luncheon at Rusty Pelican, with family members flying in to attend.

A big luncheon birthday party was planned, too, with Debbie and Ev’s friends.

Those plans were scrapped, but that didn’t deter Debbie.

She switched things up and invited people to walk, drive or bicycle by to help Ev celebrate.

Debbie kept things safe.

She asked people to drop off cards or gifts at the edge of the driveway, where she picked them up and wiped them down, before giving them to Ev.

Debbie doled out treats from a 6-foot-tray to keep things socially distanced.

This year, Debbie was undaunted, as she began planning for Ev’s 100th birthday.

She booked a big room at Rusty Pelican, with plans for 100 guests at the party.

From left, back row: Gary Furman (son), Debbie Storts (daughter), Derrick Storts (grandson), Carol Ann Jones (niece) and Bonnie Bean (Gary’s girlfriend) Front row: Ev Furman (the birthday girl), and Darlene and Charlie Conville (daughter and son-in-law). The woman in the garage wearing pink is Christine Lynch, who dressed that way because she knows Ev’s favorite color is pink.

Just like last year, people were planning to fly in for the festivities.

And, just like last year, COVID-19 foiled the Rusty Pelican plans.

So, instead of having 100 people at a fancy party, Ev’s family regrouped and they had the party at Debbie’s house and in the nearby cul-de-sac in her Twin Lakes subdivision.

The party was a team effort of Ev’s daughters, Debbie and Darlene Conville; her son, Gary Furman; her grandson, Derrick Storts; and her niece, Carol Ann Jones.

Darlene and her husband, Charlie, traveled from Michigan to be there. Gary and his girlfriend, Bonnie Bean, came from Georgia. Derrick came over from Winter Springs, and Carol Ann traveled from Arizona.

Eighty-five people joined in for the festivities, which included Mexican meals from a taco truck and live music from Crossroads, a band that played Ev’s favorite tunes — ranging from Big Band numbers to ’70s songs.

Ten-year-old Stella Phillips, was there, too.

Mary Sawl made this quilted banner for Ev Furman’s 100th birthday.

After all, it’s a tradition for her to help Ev blow out the candles on the cake, Debbie said.

This year, Stella didn’t help to blow out the candles because of COVID-19, but the Roland Park Magnet School student arranged to be out of school, so she could be there on Ev’s special day.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office was there, too. They came with sirens blaring, and they brought a bloodhound and a K-9 — which were popular with the guests.

The law enforcement officers also gave Ev a bouquet of flowers and a stuffed dog, too, to mark her milestone birthday.

And, she got a huge pile of presents and a giant stack of cards.

Last year, even though the celebration was completely different than originally planned, Ev didn’t mind a bit.

In fact, she declared “it was the best party I ever had.”

Turns out, she was wrong.

This one, she said, “was much, much better.”

And now, she’s looking forward to more birthdays — lots more of them.

“I’m going to live to be 200,” an exuberant Ev said, with a laugh.

Published April 21, 2021

Groundbreaking held for veteran’s free home

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Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Javier Torres and his family have been selected to receive a new mortgage-free home from PulteGroup, through the company’s Built to Honor program, in partnership with the nonprofit Operation Finally Home.

Ground recently was broken for the family’s new home being built in Land O’ Lakes.

Torres was severely injured while deployed in Afghanistan in 2004, according to a news release.

This group flings some dirt at the groundbreaking of a new free home for a U.S. Army veteran in Land O’ Lakes. From left: PulteGroup West Florida Division President Sean Strickler; Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Javier Torres, and daughters 11-year-old Kaylie Torres and 3-year-old Aria Torres; wife Stephanie Torres, 1-year-old Avery Torres; and, Molly Halliday, senior vice president of Marketing and Project Management for Operation Finally Home. (Courtesy of BoardroomPR)

His platoon was ambushed, and his HUMVEE was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. He was shot three times during the firefight and his fellow soldiers protected him before he was eventually medevacked. He was awarded several honors for his service, including the Purple Heart.

The Torres family currently lives in an apartment in Land O’Lakes.

“We just want to have a place to call our own, where our family can grow without having to move constantly,” Torres said, in the release.

The family’s new single-story home is being built in the Arden Preserve community. The residence, which will exceed 2,100 square feet, will have four bedrooms and three bathrooms.

PulteGroup team members, along with the Torres family, officially broke ground on the home on March 24, and the team expects to welcome the Torres family home this summer.

“It is a privilege for Pulte employees, along with our trade partners and suppliers, to be able to give back to our nation’s veterans in a meaningful way,” Sean Strickler, president of PulteGroup’s West Florida division, said in a news release.

The Torres family worked closely with Operation Finally Home, which partners with builders like PulteGroup to provide homes and home modifications to America’s military heroes and first responders.

“We are extremely grateful to PulteGroup and their Built to Honor program for supporting our veterans, first responders and their families with mortgage-free homes,” said Rusty Carroll, executive director of Operation Finally Home, in the release.

PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program was launched in 2013 to recognize and thank returning military personnel who have been injured during their term of service by providing mortgage-free homes to veterans and their families.

Built to Honor works in partnership with nonprofit organizations to identify veteran candidates. This will be the West Florida division’s fourth home dedicated in the Tampa Bay area.

Published April 14, 2021

Connerton ‘downtown’ moving closer to reality

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A plan for a downtown in Connerton — that’s been decades in the making — is moving closer to coming to fruition.

The Pasco County Planning Commission, and the county’s planners, are recommending approval of a change that would set the stage to convert land currently zoned for agricultural into a master-planned development.

The proposal, by applicant Lennar Homes LLC, calls for Connerton Villages III and IV, which would be a master-planned development that would allow a maximum of 2,160 dwelling units, 150,000 square feet of retail, 150,000 square feet of office, a charter school with up to 765 students, an 80-acre district park and the allocation of 7 acres for a library/fire/emergency medical services facility within the villages.

Clarke Hobby, an attorney representing Lennar, said “when Connerton was approved originally over 20 years ago, it included a 300-acre downtown area — in this area — that included a very large community college and over 1 million square feet of regional commercial. So, basically it was going to have a mall.”

The new vision is substantially different.

It has a connectivity plan — including trail systems — that will greatly reduce the dependence on vehicles to get around the community, according to background materials in the agenda packet.

The commercial plan is different, too.

“It’s going to be a bunch of local-serving retail that will benefit the Connerton community, but will not be of regional nature,” Hobby said.

“We’re really excited. We’ve worked with staff for 2½ years to get to this point — and the community plan, and connectivity plan that we’ve created — I believe is going to be one that we’ll all be proud of for generations,” he said.

The only public comment came from Rob Park, who lives in Bahia Acres, which is on the other side of Ehren Cutoff from the proposed development area. Park sent an email to be read into the record.

“Over the years, there has been one variance after another and none of the proposed downtown areas were built,” Park wrote.

“The variation requests address that and reads like a fairytale, and sounds like a dreamland,” he added.

“Issues of congestion, light and noise are not mentioned,” Park continued.

“The proposal does not say one thing about blending in with Bahia Acres across the street, which has generations of residents. I have been there 40 years, and I am the relatively new guy on the block,” Park’s email says.

Hobby responded to Park’s email by noting: “For the planning commission’s benefit, Mr. Park has objected at several hearings about his concerns about Ehren Cutoff, which is a county collector and it is morphing into a larger-scale road.”

Hobby also noted that: “Most of the uses that Mr. Park is concerned about are about a half-mile from Ehren Cutoff and really won’t have an effect on those people on the east side of Ehren Cutoff, and moreover, the uses are really only community-serving retail-sized.”

Planning commissioners voted unanimously to recommend approval of the request, to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on land use and zoning issues.

Published March 31, 2021

Access road to be built to serve future county facilities

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a task order for CPH Inc., to handle road design and permitting for an access road between Central Boulevard and Symphony Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

The cost of the work is not to exceed $207,608, according to information contained in the board’s March 9 agenda backup materials.

The work is being done under a continuing professional services agreement with CPH.

The access road, which is included in the county’s facilities master plan, will be built on county-owned land that is slated to serve as the future location for several county facilities.

This road will allow access to county property south of Central Boulevard.

The initial facilities to be constructed will be for the Fire Rescue Training Center and Facilities Management Central Office & Warehouse.

The task order calls for services to include roadway design, drainage design, signing and pavement marking design, Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Environmental Resource Permit (ERP), utility coordination design support services for road connections, permitting assistance, and a proposed gate near the Symphony Parkway entrance.

Published March 31, 2021